Milkwoman Pauline Hamment, of Mile Cross, dies aged 92

Born in Norwich on September 4, 1930, Pauline Hamment was the oldest sibling of two, with her brother John, and daughter to George and Winifred.

Pauline lived in Bignold Road until she was eight years old before her family was evacuated to Ely as the Second World War began, going to school there while her dad spent time in the forces.

At 14 Pauline and her family returned to a new home, just off Queens Road and a week later, first set eyes upon her husband-to-be Jack.

Pauline's youngest child, Yvonne Diver, said: "Jack's dad was a milkman and he was doing his rounds. Winifred called out to Jack's dad to say 'Pauline likes the look of your son'.

"Mum was obviously mortified but that was their first interaction and they started seeing each other not long after.

"Dad had a motorbike and sidecar, and mum would tie her bicycle up to it and he'd tow her to the telephone exchange in Norwich, where she worked at the time."

The pair got married on February 11, 1950, at St Catherine's Church in Mile Cross Road.

Yvonna said: "They did everything together and were utterly inseparable.

"They lived with Pauline's mum for a while before getting their own flat in North Park Avenue and had three children: Paul in 1954, Nigel in 1957 and me in 1965.

"Mum was always about family and we had a wonderful childhood, taking long walks over Mousehold Heath altogether."

The couple moved into Bacton Road in the early 60s where they would take over Jack's dad's milk round.

Yvonna added: "They started off in a horse and cart before getting a car and a van.

"Mum would do her own milk round in the car and dad would go out in the van - delivering to all of the Mile Cross estate.

"People still remember them even now and were very much loved by the community.

"They did that together for a good 40 years before retiring."

Pauline and Jack moved to Galley Hill in 1973 where Jack, 93, still lives.

The pair were married for 72 years.

In retirement Pauline had a passion for gardening and baking, taking great pride in both.

"Mum would do all the planting herself in the garden and whenever the family came round there would always be fresh cakes for everyone" said Yvonne.

"They also bought a caravan and travelled all around the country but Devon and Cornwall were the places they enjoyed the most - mum's favourite place was Salcombe.

"She also kept active by playing short tennis three times a week with Jack and a group of others who she became good friends with - they ended up playing until they were 86."

In April 2021 Pauline suffered a stroke which led to her having vascular dementia.

She was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on December 2 with a chest infection which soon turned into pneumonia.

Pauline died on December 6 surrounded by her three children and just after she had seen her husband Jack.

Yvonne said: "Mum was the best mum, grandmother and great-grandmother you could ever wish for. 

"She was kind and caring and loved nothing more than spending time with her family around her. 

"Therefore it meant a lot to us that we could all say our goodbyes and be with her when she passed away. 

"As a family we are so grateful to mum and dad for everything they did for us all over the years."

Pauline's funeral will be held at St Faith's Crematorium on January 3 - friends and family are welcome to attend, with family flowers only accepted.